Batter Interference

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by RefBob

Thanks. This confirms my original understanding that actual physical contact by the batter or an actual throw by the catcher is not always required.

There was a video from a high school game a few years ago about this. IIRC the situation was as follows.

R1 on 2nd, B2 at the plate. R1 is attempting to steal on the play. Pitch comes in F2 catches then attempts a throw to F5 at third. B2 is still standing in the batters box and gets drilled with the pitch in the side of the helmet, which immediately dropped her. PU immediately kills the play due to concern about the batter getting hit with the throw.

Umpires get together and rule R1 safe at third base. Since the batter had not moved from her position in the batter's box it couldn't be interference. IIRC the batter ended up with a concussion from the throw and had to leave the game as well.